Budget woes may halt S.B. road projects

Driving on and around Interstate 215 through San Bernardino while Caltrans widens the freeway can be frustrating for drivers."It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to get over the bridge, both ways, every day," said San Bernardino resident Reggie Harris. "It's very frustrating."

"We have to go all the way around," said Ervin Roney of Victorville. "There's a detour that goes four or five blocks away from where I need to go."

The project is one of many that could be put on hold because the state has no budget.

That could force workers to abandon the project because they wouldn't be getting paid.

But in the midst of a deep recession, with no state budget approved, Caltrans said it's a possibility.

"I think it's starting to become a little more real the longer it takes," said Jason Goldman of Caltrans.

Another project that could be stopped is the new bridge over the Big Bear Dam.

Caltrans wants it open by Dec. 15, but without a state budget, that date is in jeopardy.

Snow plow service might be impacted as well this winter.

The temporary workers Caltrans relies on during heavy storms would not be available either without a budget.

"We're still doing what we need to do to get the roads open," Goldman said. "It just might take it a little longer because there are less people."